Wireless communication device, storage facility and communication method

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a wireless communication device including at least three elementary antennas each including at least two loops, two adjacent loops being configured to be traveled by currents having opposite circulation directions, each loop of each antenna delimiting an inner surface called loop surface, in which the elementary antennas are offset two by two in a rectilinear direction and wherein, for each loop of each antenna, a part of the surface of this loop is superimposed with a portion of a loop surface of each other elementary antenna, the part of the loop surface having an area smaller than the area of the loop surface of the loop.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a wireless communication device. Theinvention also relates to a facility for storing elements comprisingsuch a storage device. The invention also relates to a communicationmethod.

Description of Related Art

In the field of elements logistics, many particular systems have beendeveloped to detect the presence or absence of elements for examplestored on a shelf.

The elements generally comprise an identification tag, such as an RFID(radio frequency identification) tag, affixed on a face of the element.Each tag stores information relative to the corresponding element.Furthermore, these systems comprise a reader, such as an RFID reader, soas to read and/or update the information contained in the tags of saidelements, but also to detect the presence or absence of these elements.

However, it has been observed that such systems do not make it possibleto ensure reliable reading of all of the stored elements. Indeed, tagslocated in certain areas of the shelf cannot be detected and/or read bythese RFID readers.

Yet when the stored elements are bags containing biological productssuch as blood products (bags of primary blood, plasma, platelets, redblood cells, etc.) or cellular engineering products (stem cells, etc.),or drug bags such as chemotherapy bags, it is crucial to ensuredetection, reading and/or updating of all of the tags borne by thesebags in order to ensure good traceability of the blood products.

There is therefore a need for a communication device able to read eachtag reliably.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To that end, the present disclosure relates to a wireless communicationdevice comprising at least three elementary antennas each comprising atleast two loops, two adjacent loops being configured to be traveled bycurrents having opposite circulation directions, each loop of eachantenna delimiting an inner surface called loop surface, in which theelementary antennas are offset in pairs in a rectilinear direction andwherein, for each loop of each antenna, a part of the surface of thisloop is superimposed with a portion of a loop surface of each otherelementary antenna, the part of said loop surface having an area smallerthan the area of the loop surface of said loop.

According to specific embodiments, the wireless communication devicecomprises one or more of the following features, considered alone oraccording to any technically possible combinations:

-   -   a part of each loop of each antenna, called coinciding part,        coincides with a loop portion of each other antenna and, for        each loop, the coinciding part is at least greater than 5% of        the perimeter of this loop.    -   the loops of each antenna have the same shape.    -   each antenna is planar and the at least three elementary        antennas extend in a same plane.    -   each elementary antenna comprises at least three loops.    -   each loop of each antenna is partitioned into loop partitions        having a surface, each loop partition being delimited by at        least one loop part of a loop of another antenna, each surface        of a loop partition having an area of less than or equal to one        third of the area of the surface of this loop, and the        elementary antennas extend in a same plane and are configured to        emit an electromagnetic field in a three-dimensional zone of the        space, the electromagnetic field emitted in the        three-dimensional zone being continuous along a direction        parallel to the rectilinear direction.    -   the wireless communication device is a radio frequency        identification tag reader.

The present disclosure also relates to an element storage installation,each element bearing a first wireless communication unit, theinstallation comprising an enclosure comprising an inner compartment,the enclosure preferably being a refrigerating enclosure, and comprisinga wireless communication device as previously described, forming asecond wireless communication unit able to communicate with at least afirst wireless communication unit in which the wireless communicationdevice is arranged in the inner compartment.

According to one particular embodiment of the element storageinstallation, the elements are containers of biological products,medications or therapeutic preparations and each second wirelesscommunication unit is a radiofrequency identification tag comprising amemory able to store a datum relative to the container bearing thissecond wireless communication unit.

The present disclosure further relates to a communication methodimplemented in an element storage installation as previously describedbetween at least a first wireless communication unit and a secondwireless communication unit, the second wireless communication unitcomprising at least three elementary antennas each comprising at leasttwo loops, two adjacent loops being configured to be traveled bycurrents having opposite circulation directions, each loop of eachantenna delimiting an inner surface called loop surface, in which theelementary antennas are offset in pairs along a rectilinear direction,and wherein, for each loop of each antenna, the part of the surface ofthis loop is superimposed with a portion of a loop surface of each otherelementary antenna, the part of said loop surface having an area smallerthan the area of the loop surface of said loop, wherein thecommunication method comprises a step for wave transmission by thewireless communication device.

The present disclosure also relates to an element storage device, eachelement comprising a first wireless communication unit, the storagedevice comprising a receiving support intended to receive the elements,a second wireless communication unit able to generate waves, the secondwireless communication unit being able to communicate with each firstwireless communication unit according to a communication protocol, thecommunication zone also being defined as being a three-dimensional zonein which the second wireless communication unit is able to communicatewith each first wireless communication unit when each first wirelesscommunication unit is located in the communication zone, the secondwireless communication unit not being able to communicate with at leastone first wireless communication unit when the first wirelesscommunication unit is located outside the communication zone, awaveguide able to guide the waves generated by the second wirelesscommunication unit so that a dimension of the communication zonemeasured from the second wireless communication unit along apredetermined direction is strictly greater than a reference dimension,the reference dimension being equal to the dimension of thecommunication zone measured from the second wireless communication unitalong the predetermined direction when the storage device is devoid ofwaveguides.

According to specific embodiments, the device comprises one or more ofthe following features, considered alone or according to any technicallypossible combinations:

-   -   the waves generated by the second wireless communication unit        are electromagnetic waves including a magnetic field, the        waveguide being a magnetic field concentrator suitable for        concentrating the magnetic field generated by the second        wireless communication unit.    -   the waveguide is able to guide the waves generated by the second        wireless communication unit in the predetermined direction.    -   the dimension of the communication zone verifies one of the        following properties: the dimension of the communication zone is        greater than or equal to 105% of the reference value, the        dimension of the communication zone is greater than or equal to        120% of the reference zone, and the dimension of the        communication zone is less than or equal to 130% of the        reference value.    -   the waveguide comprises guide elements configured to guide the        waves generated by the second wireless communication unit in the        predetermined direction.    -   the guide elements comprise two plates of equal dimensions,        parallel to one another, the two plates delimiting a guide        channel between them for guiding the waves generated by the        second wireless communication unit in the predetermined        direction.    -   the waveguide is made from metal, the metal in particular being        aluminum.    -   the reference value is equal to 86 millimeters and wherein the        first wireless communication unit is preferably a radiofrequency        identification tag reader and comprises at least one antenna,        preferably planar and in the shape of an eight, the        radiofrequency identification tag reader optionally comprising a        plurality of antennas having overlap zones relative to one        another.    -   the elements of the plurality of elements are containers of        biological products, medications or therapeutic preparations and        each first wireless communication unit is a radiofrequency        identification tag comprising a memory able to store a datum        relative to the container bearing this first wireless        communication unit.

The present disclosure also relates to an element storage installationcomprising an enclosure comprising an inner compartment, the enclosurepreferably being a refrigerating enclosure, and comprising a wirelesscommunication device as previously described comprising a plurality ofelements each bearing a first wireless communication unit, the secondwireless communication unit being intended to communicate with eachfirst wireless communication unit according to a communication protocol,the storage device being arranged in the inner compartment.

The present disclosure also relates to a communication method between atleast a first wireless communication unit and a second wirelesscommunication unit implemented in an element storage device, eachelement comprising a first wireless communication unit, the elementstorage device comprising a receiving support intended to receive theelements, a second wireless communication unit able to generate waves,the second wireless communication unit being able to communicate witheach first wireless communication unit according to a communicationprotocol, a communication zone also being defined as being athree-dimensional zone in which the second wireless communication unitis able to communicate with each first wireless communication unit wheneach first wireless communication unit is located in the communicationzone, the second wireless communication unit not being able tocommunicate with at least one first wireless communication unit when thefirst wireless communication unit is located outside the communicationzone, a waveguide able to guide the waves generated by the secondwireless communication unit so that a dimension of the communicationzone measured from the second wireless communication unit along apredetermined direction is strictly greater than a reference dimension,the reference dimension being equal to the dimension of thecommunication zone measured from the second wireless communication unitalong the predetermined direction when the storage device is devoid ofwaveguide, the method comprising a wave transmission step by the secondwireless communication unit, during the transmission step, the dimensionof the communication zone measured from the second wirelesscommunication unit along the predetermined direction is greater than orequal to the reference dimension.

According to one particular embodiment of the method, the waveguidecomprises guide elements configured to guide the waves generated by thesecond wireless communication unit in the predetermined direction, theguide elements comprising two plates of equal sizes, parallel to oneanother delimiting a channel between them, during the step fortransmitting waves by the second wireless communication unit, the secondwireless communication unit transmits electromagnetic waves comprising amagnetic field and the two plates concentrate, in the channel, themagnetic field emitted by the second wireless communication unit.

According to one particular embodiment of the method, the waveguidecomprises guide elements configured to guide the waves generated by thesecond wireless communication unit in the predetermined direction, theguide elements comprising two plates of equal sizes, parallel to oneanother delimiting a channel between them, during the step fortransmitting waves by the second wireless communication unit, the secondwireless communication unit transmits electromagnetic waves comprising amagnetic field and the two plates concentrate, in the channel, themagnetic field emitted by the second wireless communication unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Other features and advantages of the invention will appear upon readingthe following description of one embodiment of the invention, providedas an example only and in reference to the drawings, which are:

FIG. 1, a schematic perspective illustration of an installationcomprising element storage device,

FIG. 2, a schematic illustration of an element,

FIG. 3, a view of a part of the element storage device of FIG. 1,

FIG. 4 shows an enlarged sectional schematic view of part of FIG. 3,identified by arrow IV in FIG. 1, including a receiving tray,

FIG. 5, a view of FIG. 4 further showing communication zones,

FIG. 6, a schematic illustration of a second wireless communicationunit, and

FIG. 7, an exploded schematic illustration of part of the secondwireless communication unit of FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An installation 10 for storing elements 12 is illustrated in FIG. 1.

The installation 10 for example serves to keep each element 12 at apredefined temperature and/or to shake each element 12.

In the present description, a transverse direction is also defined. Thetransverse direction is shown by the axis X and referred to in theremainder of the disclosure as the “transverse direction X”.

A longitudinal direction is also defined that is perpendicular to thetransverse direction X. The longitudinal direction is shown by an axis Yand referred to in the remainder of the disclosure as the “longitudinaldirection Y”.

A vertical direction is also defined that is perpendicular to thetransverse direction X and the longitudinal direction Y. Thelongitudinal direction is shown by an axis Y and referred to in theremainder of the disclosure as the “vertical direction Z”.

Furthermore, the dimension of an object of the installation 10 along thetransverse direction X is referred to hereinafter as the “width”. Thedimension of an object of the installation 10 along the longitudinaldirection Y is called “length”. The dimension of an object of theinstallation 10 along the vertical direction Z is called “height”.

Furthermore, in the present disclosure, a value V inclusively between afirst value V1 and a second value V2 means that the value V is greaterthan or equal to the first value V1 and that the value V is less than orequal to the value V2.

In reference to FIG. 2, the elements 12 are, according to the describedexample, containers. Generally, a container refers to any type of bagintended to contain products whose use is subject to strict storageconstraints.

More particularly, the elements 12 are for example bags containingbiological products such as blood products (bags of primary blood,plasma, platelets, red blood cells, etc.) or cellular engineeringproducts (human or animal cells, in particular human or animal stemcells, products from human or animal cells).

In a variant, the elements 12 are drug bags or therapeutic preparationbags containing one or more active ingredients or medications, such aschemotherapy bags (generally containing a solute and one or morechemotherapy active ingredients).

More generally, the elements 12 are able to contain any product designedto be infused in a human or animal.

According to the considered example, each container 12 is a bagintended, in the present case, to contain plasma.

In a known manner, such a container 12 is a plasma-tight container madefrom a breathable plastic material allowing metabolism, of the PVC(polyvinyl chloride), polycarbonate or PEG (polyethylene glycol) type.

The container 12 includes tubings 13 that are closed off, for example bywelding.

These tubings 13 were used, before being closed off, to insert theplasma into the container 12.

The container 12 further has two large faces 14 (only one is visible inFIG. 2).

In FIG. 2, the container 12 is arranged vertically, that is to say itstwo large faces 14 are substantially perpendicular to the plane definedby the transverse direction X and the longitudinal direction Y.

Each element 12 comprises a first wireless communication unit 15.

Each first communication unit 15 is for example a tag, such as anadhesive tag fastened on an outer wall of the element. In particular,the adhesive tag is fastened on one of the large faces 14 of thecontainer 12.

In general, each first communication unit 15 comprises at least anantenna, a memory, and optionally a microprocessor.

The antenna of each first communication unit 15 is for example aradiofrequency antenna and known as a radiofrequency identification tag,or RFID tag.

The memory of each first communication unit 15 comprises informationrelative to the corresponding element 12.

Such information is for example: a unique identifier of the element 12,the storage date of the element 12, the expiration date of the element12, the date on which the first communication unit 15 of the element 12communicated information for the first time, the donation numberrelative to the contents of the element 12, the product code of thecontents of the element 12, the rhesus group of the contents of theelement 12, the blood phenotype of the product of the element 12, theidentity of the patient from whom the contents of the element 12originated, the name of the patient from whom the contents of theelement 12 originated, the product of the contents of the element 12,the donation center (including the address) where the contents of theelement 12 were obtained, the process underway for the element 12 andthe anticoagulant type of the contents of the element 12. In the case ofchemotherapy, such information further comprises the production date,the product type, the identity of the prescribing doctor, the identityof the pharmacist, the identity of the manufacturer, the release dateand the status (released, delivered, etc.).

The installation 10 comprises an enclosure 16 and a storage device 20for elements 12.

The enclosure 16 delimits an inner compartment 22 for receiving thestorage device 20.

The enclosure 16 is for example a refrigerating enclosure or a freezer.When the refrigerating enclosure is a refrigerator, the temperature ofthe enclosure is inclusively between 0° C. and 5° C., preferably equalto 4° C. When the refrigerating enclosure is a freezer, the temperatureof the enclosure is inclusively between −35° C. and −96° C., preferablyequal to −40° C.

Alternatively, the enclosure 16 is a platelet agitator. The enclosure 16is then for example integrated into an incubator having a temperaturepreferably equal to 24° C.

In the present disclosure, relative positions are defined with respectto a current usage direction of the enclosure 16. In particular, abottom is defined corresponding to the floor, and a top opposite thebottom. Thus, in the remainder of the application, a first elementcalled “lower” than a second element is located closer to the floor thanthe second element. Furthermore, a first element called “higher” than asecond element is located further from the floor than the secondelement. This relative positioning is also shown by terms such as“below” or “above”, “lower” or “upper”.

The storage device 20 comprises at least one receiving support 24, 26,at least one second wireless communication unit 30, at least onewaveguide 31 and at least one communication zone 32.

In the case at hand, the storage device 20 comprises a plurality ofreceiving supports 24, 26.

Each receiving support 24, 26 comprises a shelf 24 and at least onereceiving tray 26.

The receiving supports 24, 26 are described in detail in reference toFIGS. 3 and 4 showing a part of a single shelf 24.

Each shelf 24 comprises a body 25.

The body 25 of the shelf 24 is for example made from plastic.

The lower face of the body 25 comprises a layer 36 of a materialpreventing the passage of electromagnetic waves through the shelf 24.Such a layer 36 of material is also known as “electromagneticshielding”.

As an illustration, each receiving support 24, 26 comprises a pluralityof receiving trays 26.

The upper face of each shelf 24 is able to receive the plurality ofreceiving trays 26.

For example, the upper face of each shelf 24 is able to receive at leastfour receiving trays 26.

For example, the receiving trays 26 of a given shelf 24 are juxtaposedin the inner compartment 22 along the transverse direction X.Furthermore, for example, each receiving tray 26 extends over the entirewidth of the shelf 24.

Each receiving tray 26 is made from a material transparent to theelectromagnetic waves. For example, the material is a plastic.

Each receiving tray 26 is able to receive a plurality of elements 12arranged vertically.

In each receiving tray 26, the plurality of elements 12 is arranged inthe form of a row of elements 12 along the longitudinal direction Y.

As an example, in each receiving tray 26, the distance between twoelements 12 measured along the longitudinal direction Y is for exampleequal to 15 millimeters (mm).

In the present exemplary embodiment, the storage device 20 comprises aplurality of second wireless communication units 30. Each secondwireless communication unit 30 is also called “wireless communicationdevice” in the present application.

A plurality of second communication units 30 is for example arranged ina separate shelf 24. The second communication units 30 are shown indotted lines in FIG. 1.

Each second communication unit 30 is arranged opposite a row of firstcommunication units 15 of a given receiving tray 26 in the verticaldirection Z. Furthermore, each second communication unit 30 is arrangedbelow the row of first communication units 15.

For each shelf 24, the plurality of second communication units 30 isarranged in the upper part of the shelf 24. In particular, each secondcommunication unit 30 is located just below the upper surface of eachshelf 24. Each shelf 24 then forms a satellite containing the pluralityof second units 30. The satellite is a case that contains the pluralityof second units 30.

Each second communication unit 30 of a shelf 24 is able to communicatewith the first communication units 15 of the elements 12 borne by agiven receiving tray 26 of this shelf 24.

In the remainder of the disclosure, the first communication units 15supported by a shelf 24 and intended to communicate with the secondcommunication unit 30 of this shelf are called “first communicationunits 15 associated with the second communication unit 30”.

Each second communication unit 30 is able to communicate with each firstcommunication unit 15 associated with this second communication unit 30according to a communication protocol.

For example, the communication protocol is an RFID protocol.

For example, the RFID communication protocol is a communication protocolcalled “UHF” protocol. The acronym “UHF” stands for ultrahigh frequency.

In such a communication protocol, each second communication unit 30 isable to transmit or receive a signal having a frequency inclusivelybetween 300 MHz and 3000 MHz.

For example, the RFID communication protocol is a communication protocolcalled “HF” protocol. The acronym “HF” stands for high frequency.

In such a communication protocol, each second communication unit 30 isable to transmit or receive a signal having a frequency inclusivelybetween 3 MHz and 30 MHz.

According to one particular example, the frequency is equal to 13.56MHz±7 kHz.

According to one exemplary embodiment, each second communication unit 30is able to operate both according to the UHF RFID communication protocoland the HF RFID communication protocol.

In particular, each second communication unit 30 is an RFID reader. Inother words, each second communication unit 30 is able to read theinformation stored in each first communication unit 15 associated withthis second communication unit 30.

Each second communication unit 30 comprises at least one elementaryantenna 40.

The elementary antenna 40 is for example an RFID antenna. In otherwords, the elementary antenna 40 is able to emit radiofrequency waves.

Several communication zones 32 are also defined.

Each communication zone 32 is associated with a separate secondcommunication unit 30.

Each communication zone 32 associated with a second communication unit30 is a three-dimensional zone in which this second communication unit30 is able to communicate with each associated first communication unit15 when each first communication unit 30 is located in the communicationzone 32, the second communication unit 30 not being able to communicatewith at least one first communication unit 15 when this firstcommunication unit 15 is located outside the communication zone 32.

The storage device 20 comprises a plurality of waveguides 31.

Each waveguide 31 is associated with a given second communication unit30. Thus, in the present exemplary embodiment, each waveguide 31 isassociated with a given receiving tray 26.

Hereinafter, a single waveguide 31 is described. Each other waveguide 31is similar to the waveguide 31 described hereinafter.

The waveguide 31 is able to guide the waves generated by each secondcommunication unit 30 so that a dimension H of each communication zone32 measured from this associated second communication unit 30 along apredetermined direction is strictly greater than a reference dimensionHR.

For each communication zone 32, the reference dimension HR is equal tothe dimension of this communication zone 32 measured from the associatedsecond communication unit 30 along the predetermined direction when thestorage device 20 is devoid of waveguides 31.

Each communication zone 32 will be described later during thedescription of the communication method.

The waveguide 31 is visible in FIGS. 3 and 4.

In the present example, the waveguide 31 is able to guide the wavesgenerated by each second communication unit 30 along the verticaldirection Z forming the predetermined direction.

The waveguide 31 comprises guide elements 50 configured to guide thewaves emitted by each second communication unit 30 in the verticaldirection Z.

For example, the guide elements 50 comprise a first plate 52 and asecond plate 54. The first plate 52 and the second plate 54 are paralleland normal to the transverse direction X.

In this example, the two plates 52, 54 are arranged on either side ofthe receiving tray 26 and spaced apart from one another in thetransverse direction X. For example, each plate 52, 54 is arrangedagainst a respective wall of the receiving tray 26.

Advantageously, the first plate 52 and the second plate 54 of thewaveguide 31 are separated.

For example, each plate 52, 54 is fastened to a respective wall of thetray 26. As an illustration, each plate 52, 54 is fastened by gluing.

As an illustration, the two plates 52, 54 have equal dimensions.

The two plates 52, 54 delimit a guide channel 56 between them forguiding waves generated by each second communication unit 30 in thepredetermined direction, that is to say the vertical direction Z.

For example, the guide channel 56 has a length at least equal to thelength of the second communication units 30.

The waveguide 31 is made from metal. The metal is for example aluminum.Thus, each plate 52, 54 is made from aluminum.

Owing to the waveguide 31, the height H of the communication zone 32 forthe storage device 20 comprising the waveguide 31 is strictly greaterthan the reference height HR of the communication zone 32 of a storagedevice 20 not comprising a waveguide 31.

Thus, the storage device 20 for elements 12 has improved performancelevels relative to the storage devices of the state of the art.

Indeed, the storage device 20 makes it possible to position the elements12 vertically and perpendicular to the second communication units 30 andto read all of the first communication units 15 borne by these elements12.

Furthermore, the storage device 20 makes it possible to store moreelements 12 while ensuring reliable reading of each first communicationunit 15.

The present disclosure therefore relates to the storage installation 10for elements 12 comprising a storage device 20 for elements aspreviously described.

In reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, the present disclosure further relates toa particular example of a second communication unit 30 that may be partof the installation 10 and/or the storage device 20.

In one specific embodiment of the storage device 20, each secondcommunication unit 30 previously described is similar to the secondcommunication unit 30 described hereinafter.

The second communication unit 30 comprises four elementary antennas 40.

In the remainder of the present disclosure, the four elementary antennasare called “first antenna 41”, “second antenna 42”, “third antenna 43”,“fourth antenna 44” when a specific elementary antenna among the fourelementary antennas 40 is designated. In the case where no specificelementary antenna 40 is designated, the generic term “antenna 40” isused.

For example, each antenna 40 is an RFID antenna. Thus, each antenna 40is able to emit electromagnetic waves, and more specificallyradiofrequency waves.

The emitted frequency of the radiofrequency waves is inclusively between13.56 MHz±7 kHz.

Each 40 antenna is a communication antenna. Thus, the antennas 40 areadapted to communicate with the first communication units 15.

For example, each antenna 40 is a figure-eight antenna.

In the case at hand, each figure-eight antenna 40 comprises N1 loops.

The number N1 of loops is greater than or equal to 2. For example, thenumber N1 of loops is equal to three.

Each 40 antenna is unitary. Thus, each antenna 40 is in the form of asingle piece, meaning that each antenna 40 does not have separate parts.

In the remainder of the disclosure, each loop of each antenna 40 isidentified by an index i, i being a whole number and varying from 1 toN1.

Furthermore, each antenna 40 of each second communication antenna 30comprising several loops 41 _(i) to 44 _(i) is also called “coiledantenna”.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the loops 41 _(i) to 44 _(i) arealigned relative to one another along the longitudinal direction Y.

Each loop 41 _(i) to 44 _(i) is delimited by an electrically conductivewire able to be traveled by a current I.

For example, each loop 41 _(i) to 44 _(i) has a closed contour.

Each antenna 40 further comprises a supply connector 46 supplyingcurrent to the considered connector 40.

For example, the supply connectors 46 of the antennas 40 are parallel toone another in the longitudinal direction Y.

For example, each loop 41 _(i) to 44 _(i) of each antenna 40 has arectangular shape.

Thus, each loop 41 _(i) to 44 _(i) has a first and a second pair ofparallel opposite sides. In the case at hand, the first pair of oppositesides is parallel to the transverse direction X and the second pair ofopposite sides is parallel to the longitudinal direction Y.

In each figure-eight antenna 40, two adjacent loops 41 _(i) to 44 _(i)are configured to be traveled by currents I having opposite circulationdirections. The circulation direction of the current I is shown only forthe first antenna 41. The circulation direction of the current I isshown only for the first antenna 41 is transposable for the otherantennas 42 to 44.

The antennas 40 are planar, that is to say the antennas 40 extend in asame plane P1. As an example, the plane P1 is defined by the transversedirection X and the longitudinal direction Y.

For example, the length of each loop 41 _(i) to 44 _(i) corresponds tothe dimension of each side of the second pair of sides opposite thisloop 41 _(i) to 44 _(i). For example, the length is inclusively between45 mm and 180 mm.

For example, the width of each loop 41 _(i) to 44 _(i) corresponds tothe dimension of each side of the first pair of sides opposite this loop41 _(i) to 44 _(i). For example, the width is inclusively between 87 mmand 111 mm.

As shown in FIG. 7, which is an exploded view of part of FIG. 6, eachloop 41 _(i) to 44 _(i) of each antenna 40 delimits an inner surface Scalled “loop surface”. The surface S of the first loop 411 of the firstantenna 41 is crosshatched in this FIG. 7.

Furthermore, the first antenna 41, the second antenna 42, the thirdantenna 43 and the fourth antenna 44 are offset in pairs successively ina rectilinear direction. In the case at hand, the rectilinear directionis the alignment direction of the loops 41 _(i) to 44 _(i), that is tosay the longitudinal direction Y.

In other words, the position of the antennas 40 is obtained by thetranslation of the antennas 40 relative to one another along thelongitudinal direction Y. The translation of the antennas 40 relative toone another is done in a same direction.

Thus, the position of the second antenna 42 is obtained by thetranslation of the first antenna 41 along the longitudinal direction Y,the position of the third antenna 43 is obtained by the translation ofthe second antenna 42 along the longitudinal direction Y and theposition of the fourth antenna 44 is obtained by the translation of thethird antenna 43 along the longitudinal direction Y.

In a variant, the rectilinear direction is the transverse direction X.

Also in a variant, the rectilinear direction is the vertical directionZ.

The antennas 40 are for example offset in pairs by a dimension smallerthan the smallest dimension of a loop 41 _(i) to 44 _(i) measured alongthe longitudinal direction Y.

In FIG. 7, the offset of the antennas 40 relative to one another alongthe longitudinal direction Y is visible.

For each loop 41 _(i) to 44 _(i) of each antenna 40, a part of thesurface S of this loop 41 _(i) to 44 _(i) is superimposed with a portionof the loop surface of each other antenna 40. In other words, the loopsurface parts are overlap zones of the antennas 40 with one another.

The expression “for each loop 41 _(i) to 44 _(i) of each antenna 40, apart of the S surface of that 41 _(i) to 44 _(i) loop is superimposedwith a portion of the loop surface of each other antenna 40” means thatfor each loop 41 _(i) to 44 _(i) of each antenna 40, a portion of thesurface S of this loop 41 _(i)-44 _(i) is overlaid by a portion of aloop-surface of each other antenna 40.

Thus, for each loop 41 _(i) to 44 _(i) of each antenna 40, a part of thesurface S of this loop 41 _(i) to 44 _(i) is covered by a portion of aloop surface of each other antenna 40 along a covering direction. Thecovering direction is, for example, perpendicular to the P1 plane inwhich the antennas 40 extend.

The aforementioned loop surface parts are described in detailhereinafter for the second loop 41 ₂ of the first antenna 41 only andare similarly defined for all of the other loops 41 _(i) to 44 _(i) ofeach antenna 40.

Three loop surface parts are defined for the second loop 41 ₂, calledfirst loop surface S1, second loop surface S2 and third loop surface S3.

Each surface part S1, S2, S3 is a part of the surface S of the secondloop 41 ₂.

The first part S1 corresponds to the part of the surface of the secondloop 41 ₂ of the first antenna 41 covered by a portion of the secondloop 422 of the second antenna 42. As shown in FIG. 7, the first part S1includes the second and third parts S2 and S3.

The second part S2 corresponds to the part of the second loop 41 ₂ ofthe first antenna 41 covered by a portion of the second loop 432 of thethird antenna 43. As also shown in FIG. 7, the second part S2 includesthe third part S3.

The third part S3 corresponds to the part of the second loop 41 ₂ of thefirst antenna covered by a portion of the second loop 442 of the fourthantenna 44.

The area of each loop surface part S1, S2, S3 is smaller than the areaof the surface S of the second loop 41 ₂.

As a result, the second loop 41 ₂ of the first antenna 41 issuperimposed with a surface portion of the loop 422, 432, 442 of eachother antenna 42 to 44.

Furthermore, for each loop 41 _(i) to 44 _(i) of each antenna 40,several coinciding parts are defined.

For each loop 41 _(i) to 44 _(i) of each antenna 40, each coincidingpart coincides with a loop portion of each other antenna 40. In otherwords, each coinciding part of each loop 41 _(i) to 44 _(i) issubstantially superimposed with a loop portion of each other antenna 40.

As an illustration, a coinciding part of the second loop 41 ₂ of thefirst antenna 41 with the second loop 422 of the second antenna 42 isidentified by the reference sign 48.

In FIG. 7, for greater convenience, the coinciding part 48 is shown onthe axis Y giving the longitudinal direction Y.

For each loop 41 _(i) to 44 _(i), each coinciding part is at leastgreater than 5% of the perimeter of this loop 41 _(i) to 44 _(i).

In the case at hand, for each loop 41 _(i) to 44 _(i), the coincidingpart of this loop 41 _(i) to 44 _(i) is parallel to the longitudinaldirection Y.

Furthermore, the arrangement of the antennas 40 relative to one anotheris such that each loop 41 _(i) to 44 _(i) of each antenna 40 ispartitioned in several loop partitions. Each loop partition isidentified by reference sign 50.

The demarcations of each partition 50 for the third loop 41 ₃ of thefirst antenna are visible in FIG. 7. The demarcations result from theprojection of each loop of each other antenna 42, 43, 44 on the thirdloop 41 ₃ of the first antenna 41.

Each loop partition 50 is delimited by at least one loop part of twoseparate antennas 40.

Each loop partition 50 has a loop partition surface strictly smallerthan each surface S of each loop 41 _(i) to 44 _(i).

According to one particular exemplary embodiment, the length of eachpartition 50 is equal to 38 mm.

Preferably, the area of the surface of the partitions 50 is less than orequal to one third of the area of the surface of this loop 41 _(i) to 44_(i). According to this same particular embodiment, the length of eachpartition 50 is less than or equal to one third of the length of thisloop 41 _(i) to 44 _(i).

According to one particular embodiment, for each loop 41 _(i) to 44_(i), the surface area of one or several partition(s) 50 is equal to1/N2 of the surface area S of this loop 41 _(i) to 44 _(i), where N2 isequal to the number of antennas 40 of the second communication unit 30.According to this same particular embodiment, the length of one orseveral partition(s) 50 of each loop 41 _(i) to 44 _(i) is less than orequal to 1/N2 of the length of this loop 41 _(i) to 44 _(i).

The electromagnetic field emitted by each second communication unit 30along a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction Y.

In other words, each second communication unit 30 is configured to emitan electromagnetic field having no holes along the length of the secondcommunication unit 32.

For example, the antennas 40 are integrated into a printed circuit board(not shown).

Thus, since each second communication unit 32 comprises severalsuperimposed antennas 40, there is no reading hole of the firstcommunication units along the longitudinal direction Y.

Advantageously, the length of the antennas 40 is such that theorthogonal projection of each first communication unit 15 in the planeP1 is included in at least one loop 41 _(i) to 44 _(i) of one of theantennas 40.

A communication method between a first communication unit 15 and asecond communication unit 30 is described in the remainder of thepresent disclosure in reference to FIG. 5.

The method comprises an initial step for supplying current I to theantennas 40 of the second communication unit 30.

For example, the value of the current I is inclusively between 20milliamperes (mA) and 120 mA.

The method comprises a step for transmitting electromagnetic waves viathe second communication unit 30.

The transmission power of the second communication unit 30 is forexample equal to 1.2 Watts.

The transmission power is constant.

The electromagnetic field emitted by the second communication unit 30 isshown by small dots in FIG. 5.

The second communication unit 30 emits a continuous electromagneticfield along the longitudinal direction Y (that is to say without readingholes along the longitudinal direction Y).

The second communication unit 30 emits a continuous electromagneticfield along the transverse direction X (that is to say without readingholes along the transverse direction X).

Furthermore, the waveguide 31 guides the electromagnetic waves generatedby the second communication unit 30 along the vertical direction Z.

More specifically, the electromagnetic waves are guided by the guidechannel 56 toward the upper part of the inner compartment 22, that is tosay along the vertical direction Z.

The three-dimensional zone of the inner compartment 22 receiving theelectromagnetic waves emitted by the second communication unit 30 iscalled “reception zone”.

The communication zone 32 is part of the reception zone.

The communication zone 32 extends from the second communication unit 30along the vertical direction Z.

In a plane normal to the longitudinal direction Y, the communicationzone 32 is delimited by a first end 33A and a second end 33B that arespaced a part from one another along the vertical direction Z.

The first end 33A is combined with the plane P1 in which the elementaryantenna 40 of the second communication unit 30 extends.

The second end 33B depends on the power π of the electromagnetic field Cemitted in the reception zone.

As an example, the power corresponds to the Poynting vector, the squareof the electrical component or the square of the magnetic component ofthe electromagnetic field emitted by the second unit 30.

Advantageously, the second end 33B coincides with a line 58 along whichthe power of the electromagnetic field emitted by the secondcommunication unit 30 is the same. In the present disclosure, this line58 is called “iso-power line 58”.

For example, the iso-power line 58 defines a predefined electromagneticpower, denoted π₁. The predefined power π₁ is inclusively between 50dBA/m and 54 dBA/m. The unit dBA/m corresponds to the value of themagnetic field in Ampere per meter, on a scale in decibels.

For example, the predefined power π₁ is equal to 52 dBA/m.

The second end 33B of the communication zone 32 is located at a non-zerodistance H from the first end 32A in the vertical direction Z.

The second end 33 for example has a concave shape.

Furthermore, the position of the second end 33B corresponds to themaximum of the curve forming the iso-power line 58.

As a result, the height H is the distance between the plane P1 and themaximum of the curve formed by the iso-power line 58.

Therefore, in the communication zone 32, the power of theelectromagnetic field, denoted π, emitted by the second communicationunit 30 is greater than or equal to the power π₁ defined by theiso-power line 58. Furthermore, above the second end 33B in the verticaldirection Z, the power π emitted by the second communication unit 32C isstrictly less than the power π₁.

Furthermore, the width of the communication zone 32 is delimited by thewaveguide 31.

The waveguide 31 guides the waves generated by the second communicationunit 30 in the guide channel 56 so that the height H of thecommunication zone 32 is strictly greater than a reference dimension HR.

The reference dimension HR is measured in the vertical direction Z. Thereference dimension is therefore referred to hereinafter as “referenceheight HR”.

The reference height HR corresponds to the height of the communicationzone when the storage device 20 is devoid of waveguides 31.

In order to differentiate between the communication zone 32 of a storagedevice 20 comprising a waveguide 31 and that of a communication device20 not comprising a waveguide 31, the communication zone of a storagedevice 20 not comprising a waveguide 31 is denoted “communication zone32′”. The communication zone 32′ is delimited on the one hand by theplane P1 and an iso-power line 58′.

The iso-power line 58′ is similar to the iso-power line 58 of a storagedevice 20 comprising a waveguide 31. The iso-power line 58′ is thereforea line along which the power of the electromagnetic field generated bythe second communication unit 30 is the same and equal to the referencepower π₁.

The height HR is therefore the distance between the plane P1 and themaximum of the curve formed by an iso-power line 58′.

The height H of the communication zone 32 is strictly greater than thereference height HR.

For example, the height H of the communication zone 32 is greater thanor equal to 105% of the reference height HR, preferably greater than orequal to 115%, or preferably greater than or equal to 120%.Advantageously, the height of the communication zone 32 is less than orequal to 130% of the reference value HR.

For example, the reference height HR is inclusively between 75 mm and 90mm.

In the case at hand, the reference height is equal to 86 mm. Forexample, the height H of the communication zone is equal to 109 mm.

In other words, the height H measured from the second communication unit30 up to which each first communication unit 15 is read by the secondcommunication unit 30 is greater than that of a storage device 20 notcomprising a waveguide 31.

It is therefore possible to store the elements 12 vertically andperpendicular to the second communication units 30 and to read the firstcommunication units 15 borne by these elements 12 reliably.

Furthermore, by using the second communication units 30, it is possibleto read, with no reading hole, each associated first communication unit15 along the transverse X and longitudinal Y directions.

The storage installation 20 comprising the storage device makes itpossible to meet the various requirements defined in the health fieldregarding bag storage. Indeed, the installation 10 offers flexibility inthe positioning of the elements 12, that is to say the bags, whileensuring reliable reading of all of the RFID tags 15 positioned on thesebags 12.

It should be noted that, in each of the described embodiments, thewaveguide 31 is able to concentrate a magnetic field emitted by eachassociated second communication unit 30.

In this sense, each waveguide 31 is a magnetic field concentrator, thetwo terms “waveguide” and “magnetic field concentrator” thus being ableto be used interchangeably to designate the waveguide 31.

In particular, the waveguide 31 is able to concentrate a magnetic fieldemitted by each associated second communication unit 30 so that thedimension H of each communication zone 32 measured from this associatedsecond communication unit 30 along a predetermined direction is strictlygreater than the reference dimension HR.

More specifically, the waveguide 31 is able to concentrate the magneticfield emitted by each associated second communication unit 30 along thevertical direction Z forming the predetermined direction.

In other words, the waveguide 31 makes it possible to increase thedensity of the magnetic field emitted by each associated secondcommunication unit 30 in the predetermined direction Z.

Thus, the waveguide 31 is configured to constrain the shape of the loopsof the magnetic field emitted by the associated second communicationunit 30 in the predetermined direction.

The effect of the waveguide 31 on the electric field is not among thesought effects.

Therefore, the first and second plates 52, 54 of the waveguide 31 aspreviously described form magnetic field concentrating elementsconfigured to concentrate the magnetic field emitted by each associatedsecond communication unit 30 in the vertical direction Z.

Thus, the channel 56 defined between the first plate 52 and the secondplate 54 is configured to concentrate the magnetic field.

The storage device 20 according to the invention differs from the knownstorage devices in that it comprises a waveguide 31 suitable forconcentrating the magnetic field emitted by second concentrating unitstuned to a frequency of 13.56 MHz±7 kHz. The known storage devices donot comprise waveguides suitable for concentrating a magnetic field soas to increase the size of a communication zone.

In particular, second communication units suitable for emitting waves ata frequency of 915 MHz, as is the case in the state of the art, are notsuitable for working with the waveguides 31 according to the invention.Indeed, such a frequency does not make it possible to obtain asufficient dimension H of the communication zone along the predetermineddirection.

Furthermore, a second communication unit transmitting waves at afrequency of 915 MHz is not suitable for communicating with firstcommunication units that resonate at the frequency of 13.56 MHz±7 kHz asis the case in the invention. Indeed, the first communication unitsresonating at the frequency of 13.56 MHz±7 kHz are only sensitive to asignal of 13.56 MHz emitted by the second communication unit.

Furthermore, some storage devices of the state of the art comprisedrawers forming Faraday cages, suitable for receiving firstcommunication units. This type of drawer does not, unlike the presentinvention, make it possible to concentrate the magnetic field emitted bya second communication unit so as to increase a dimension of acommunication zone.

1. A wireless communication device comprising at least three elementaryantennas each comprising at least two loops, two adjacent loops beingconfigured to be traveled by currents having opposite circulationdirections, each loop of each antenna delimiting an inner surface calledloop surface, in which the elementary antennas are offset two by two ina rectilinear direction and wherein, for each loop to of each antenna, apart of the surface of this loop to is superimposed with a portion of aloop surface of each other elementary antenna, the part of said loopsurface having an area smaller than the area of the loop surface of saidloop.
 2. The wireless communication device according to claim 1, whereina part of each loop of each antenna, called coinciding part, coincideswith a loop portion of each other antenna and, for each loop, thecoinciding part is at least greater than 5% of the perimeter of thisloop.
 3. The wireless communication device according to claim 1, whereinthe loops to of each antenna have the same shape.
 4. The wirelesscommunication device according to claim 1, wherein each antenna isplanar and the at least three elementary antennas extend in a sameplane.
 5. The wireless communication device according to claim 1,wherein each element comprises at least three loops.
 6. The wirelesscommunication device according to claim 1, wherein each loop of eachantenna is partitioned into loop partitions having a surface, each looppartition being delimited by at least one loop part of a loop of anotherantenna, each surface of a loop partition having an area of less than orequal to one third of the area of the surface of this loop, and whereinthe elementary antennas extend in a same plane and are configured toemit an electromagnetic field in a three-dimensional zone of the space,the electromagnetic field emitted in the three-dimensional zone beingcontinuous along a direction parallel to the rectilinear direction. 7.The wireless communication device according to claim 1, wherein thewireless communication device is a radio frequency identification tagreader.
 8. An element storage installation, each element bearing a firstwireless communication unit, the installation comprising: an enclosurecomprising an inner compartment, and comprising a wireless communicationdevice according to claim 1, forming a second wireless communicationunit able to communicate with at least a first wireless communicationunit, wherein the wireless communication device is arranged in the innercompartment.
 9. The element storage installation according to claim 8,wherein the elements are containers of biological products, medicationsor therapeutic preparations and each second wireless communication unitis a radiofrequency identification tag comprising a memory able to storea datum relative to the container bearing this second wirelesscommunication unit.
 10. A communication method implemented in an elementstorage installation according to claim 8 between at least one firstwireless communication unit and a second wireless communication unit,the second wireless communication device comprising at least threeelementary antennas each comprising at least two loops, two adjacentloops to being configured to be traveled by currents having oppositecirculation directions, each loop of each antenna delimiting an innersurface called loop surface, in which the elementary antennas are offsettwo by two in a rectilinear direction and wherein, for each loop of eachantenna, a part of the surface of this loop is superimposed with aportion of a loop surface of each other elementary antenna, the part ofsaid loop surface having an area smaller than the area of the loopsurface of said loop, wherein the communication method comprises a stepfor the emission of waves by the wireless communication device.
 11. Theelement storage installation according to claim 8, wherein the enclosureis a refrigerating enclosure.
 12. The wireless communication deviceaccording to claim 2, wherein the loops of each antenna have the sameshape.
 13. The wireless communication device according to claim 2,wherein each antenna is planar and the at least three elementaryantennas extend in a same plane.
 14. The wireless communication deviceaccording to claim 3, wherein each antenna is planar and the at leastthree elementary antennas extend in a same plane.
 15. The wirelesscommunication device according to claim 2, wherein each elementcomprises at least three loops.
 16. The wireless communication deviceaccording to claim 3, wherein each element comprises at least threeloops.
 17. The wireless communication device according to claim 4,wherein each element comprises at least three loops.
 18. The wirelesscommunication device according to claim 2, wherein each loop of eachantenna is partitioned into loop partitions having a surface, each looppartition being delimited by at least one loop part of a loop of anotherantenna, each surface of a loop partition having an area of less than orequal to one third of the area of the surface of this loop, and whereinthe elementary antennas extend in a same plane and are configured toemit an electromagnetic field in a three-dimensional zone of the space,the electromagnetic field emitted in the three-dimensional zone beingcontinuous along a direction parallel to the rectilinear direction. 19.The wireless communication device according to claim 3, wherein eachloop of each antenna is partitioned into loop partitions having asurface, each loop partition being delimited by at least one loop partof a loop of another antenna, each surface of a loop partition having anarea of less than or equal to one third of the area of the surface ofthis loop, and wherein the elementary antennas extend in a same planeand are configured to emit an electromagnetic field in athree-dimensional zone of the space, the electromagnetic field emittedin the three-dimensional zone being continuous along a directionparallel to the rectilinear direction.
 20. The wireless communicationdevice according to claim 4, wherein each loop of each antenna ispartitioned into loop partitions having a surface, each loop partitionbeing delimited by at least one loop part of a loop of another antenna,each surface of a loop partition having an area of less than or equal toone third of the area of the surface of this loop, and wherein theelementary antennas extend in a same plane and are configured to emit anelectromagnetic field in a three-dimensional zone of the space, theelectromagnetic field emitted in the three-dimensional zone beingcontinuous along a direction parallel to the rectilinear direction.